Gilas Pilipinas, Filipinas to be feted in PSA Awards Night

The Philippine men's basketball team and women's football team are set to be honored when the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) holds its annual Awards Night on January 29 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

Gilas Pilipinas will be given the President's Award for a banner year in 2023 that saw the nationals reclaim the gold medal in both Southeast Asia Games and Asian Games, while the Filipinas will be honored with the ‘Golden Lady Booters’ Special Award after a gallant stand during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Gilas defied the odds in 2023 when the hastily-formed national squad defeated powerhouse Jordan in the gold medal round of the Asian Games, ending the country's 61-year title drought in the quadrennial event with naturalized Justin Brownlee leading the way.

Prior to that, Brownlee and the Chot Reyes-mentored Gilas asserted their dominance in the SEA Games to return to the throne after missing out in the previous edition.

However, it wasn't just Gilas who made some noise in 2023 as the Filipinas also proved they belong, eking out a memorable and historic run during the World Cup when they finished with one win.

That win was made possible by top striker Sarina Bolden, whose header off a Sara Eggesvik cross dealt co-host New Zealand a heartbreaker in front of its home crowd.

Aside from Gilas Pilipinas and the Filipinas, pole vault ace EJ Obiena will also be recognized as he was named the lone Athlete of the Year.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News